A review by muireannbuckley
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book can often be summarised as another classic romance, with its other themes being overlooked. In particular, I think Austen’s ability to address the themes of Pride and Prejudice is incredibly underrated, despite them literally being the title of the book. She showcases that these human characteristics can be flaws when they are wrapped in a layer or ignorance, but she shows the transition of characters and their pride and prejudice as they manage to reject their ignorance and therefor have more clarity within themselves to allow them to grow as people. As humans, we will always have pride, prejudice and ignorance, but it is how we let these characteristics interact with each other which draws a judgement of our character and our person. The way Austen addresses this in Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship is masterful and truly explores human condition through the lens of another. It is this factor which makes the romance so genuine in this novel. These are not two characters written purely to fall in love, like it is too often done in modern media, but two characters who grow as individuals with personalities and interests that sometimes contradict their attraction and chemistry. But perhaps it is that contradiction which makes the relationship so real, human and truly romantic.